Profiles

Blindsided by a health crisis

James had a solid job and comprehensive health insurance. He lost both in the recession. With his income gone, James eventually had to go without the insulin that helped control his diabetes.

He knew about the local free clinic, but thought it was for other people, not professionals like him. Finally, with his vision deteriorating, he made an appointment.  It turned out that his case was critical. Had he waited just one more day, he would have lost his eyesight forever.

When providers at the Charlottesville Free Clinic first saw James, they knew that immediate specialty care was essential and speedily got him what he needed.

“I used to think that people who were uninsured were lazy or takers,” said James. “I never thought they were hardworking people like me.”